Taylor Teagarden's tough luck

It’s hard to argue with the logic of designating backup catcher Taylor Teagarden for assignment at this point in the season, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a tough break for a guy who has been a good soldier playing a very difficult role.

Teagarden played in just 23 games this year and never got an opportunity to get into any kind of rhythm at the plate. That’s the way it goes when you play behind a guy who’s going to play every possible inning, and you really can’t say that the decision to replace him on the roster with Chris Snyder and Steve Clevengeris not fair.

This is the major leagues, where the guys on the fringe of the 25-man roster have to take advantage of their opportunities no matter how few and far between. Teagarden held his place after coming up last year because he had a knack for delivering a big hit in some late-or-extra-inning situations. This year, he had a couple of big swings, but 10 hits and five RBIs in 60 at-bats just isn’t going to keep you in the major league clubhouse.

He’s a solid defensive catcher, but with the Orioles now needing a huge September run to stay viable in the wild-card race – and currently struggling at the plate in clutch situations – they need more offensive potential out of that role.

NEW YORK — The Orioles made major switches at the catcher position on the first day of roster expansion Sunday, designating backup Taylor Teagarden for assignment while purchasing the contract of veteran Chris Snyder and Baltimore native Steve Clevenger from Triple-A Norfolk.